An estimated 7,000 people have turned out to enjoy the thrills, spills and sunshine at Ashbourne's first ever soap box race.

The event, which saw nearly 50 teams racing their home-made go-karts down the Market Place and over a jump using only the power of gravity, attracted a far bigger crowd than the organisers had hoped for or expected.

People lined the streets, clamouring to get a good view of the action, as the racing began at around 12.30pm.

Thousands of people turned out to watch the spectacle (Image: Dominic Gibbons)

The fun started with the family races, open to all ages, and won by Ashbourne Methodist Church, which saw the first crazy creations thundering down the course, and crossing the line in St John Street.

And then the adult races saw the remainder of the soap boxes taking on a slightly longer route, hitting speeds of up to 30mph, with some coming to a specactular halt a the final barrier.

Several karts used smoke to add to the effect (Image: Dominic Gibbons)

Winners of the family race was Ashbourne Methodist Church, which posted not only an impressive time of 32 seconds, but also scored 82 points for style.

And the adult race winners were Cheadle Carnival, which completed the course in 35 seconds and scored 88 points for style.

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The "Duke of Edinburgh Award", offered to the team with the most spectactular crash, went to Wallace and Gromit after the duo's motorbike and sidecar careered off the course at the finish line. Onlookers on the pavement were swept up in the crash, but organisers say there were no serious injuries.

Stewards on the day estimated around 7,000 people had lined the streets and crowded the paddock, which was set up in the market place.

The designs included a Wallace and Gromit soap box (Image: Dominic Gibbons)

A DJ played disco music and relayed commentary by Ashbourne's Mayor Ann Smith to the crowds, while pubs and cafes on the route were heaving with customers seeking refreshment between each race.

Speaking at the presentation, after the races, organiser Sean Clayton said: "First of all, thank you for the turnout. Everyone here has been absolutely fantastic, I've really, really enjoyed my day and I hope you've done the same.